Good candidates should step up to seek seats in municipalities

Published: Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 5, 2013 at 2:42 p.m.

Friday marked the opening day for the two-week filing period for municipal elections. Races will fill the ballot in Lexington, Thomasville, Denton, Midway and Wallburg come November. Municipal races certainly don't experience the attention that national or statewide races do, but for those who live in the city limits, the actions of their elected representatives can have the most impact. So it's definitely worth paying attention to those who file.

Each election season, The Dispatch encourages civic-minded residents to seek office, and this year is no different. Democracy functions best when voters have choices at the polls. A lack of an opponent can mean most citizens believe an incumbent is doing a solid job, but it can also signal a level of apathy that's dangerous for democracy. The 2013 ballot will see five races in Lexington, eight in Thomasville and three each in Denton, Midway and Wallburg. Filing fees are minimal, so the expenses come down to how much a candidate wants to spend to share his or her message with voters. Two weeks from Friday, hopefully voters will see contested races for all available seats.

NIMBYS they're called: not in my backyard. That term can be used for those who might favor a project locating elsewhere but don't want it near their property. A proposed shooting range in southern Davidson County has generated both support and opposition. Many of those opposed quickly express their support of gun rights, but they believe the range on Shiptontown Road will interrupt the tranquil area. The county's planning and zoning board unanimously voted against the plan, but the board of adjustment will now take up the issue. Any outdoor range will produce noise, so the board will have to decide whether the location is suitable for such a business.

Two great Davidson County summer traditions continued this week with the 43rd Southeast Old Threshers' Reunion at Denton FarmPark and the City of Lexington's Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Finch Park. Both events highlight some of the values that Americans hold true. The fact so many people travel to Denton each year shows they still appreciate the traditional methods of agriculture and ways of the past. And any event that celebrates the nation's birthday with a fireworks show, which happens at the Fantastic Fourth Celebration, is sure to be a hit.

RFD-TV may not be as familiar as other networks, but that doesn't diminish the honor that comes from Southern Sisters Restaurant & Grille being featured on one of the channel's shows. Host Edie Hand visited Thomasville on Monday to interview Joy Hall Thompson and feature her restaurant, Southern Sisters. The segments will appear on Hand's "RX for Healthy Lifestyles" show. Lexington brings the most culinary attention to the county for its barbecue, but Thompson shows that other restaurants can also garner a position in the spotlight.

<p>Friday marked the opening day for the two-week filing period for <B>municipal elections. </B>Races will fill the ballot in Lexington, Thomasville, Denton, Midway and Wallburg come November. Municipal races certainly don't experience the attention that national or statewide races do, but for those who live in the city limits, the actions of their elected representatives can have the most impact. So it's definitely worth paying attention to those who file.</p><p>Each election season, The Dispatch encourages civic-minded residents to seek office, and this year is no different. Democracy functions best when voters have choices at the polls. A lack of an opponent can mean most citizens believe an incumbent is doing a solid job, but it can also signal a level of apathy that's dangerous for democracy. The 2013 ballot will see five races in Lexington, eight in Thomasville and three each in Denton, Midway and Wallburg. Filing fees are minimal, so the expenses come down to how much a candidate wants to spend to share his or her message with voters. Two weeks from Friday, hopefully voters will see contested races for all available seats.</p><p>NIMBYS they're called: not in my backyard. That term can be used for those who might favor a project locating elsewhere but don't want it near their property. A <B>proposed shooting range </B>in southern Davidson County has generated both support and opposition. Many of those opposed quickly express their support of gun rights, but they believe the range on Shiptontown Road will interrupt the tranquil area. The county's planning and zoning board unanimously voted against the plan, but the board of adjustment will now take up the issue. Any outdoor range will produce noise, so the board will have to decide whether the location is suitable for such a business.</p><p>Two great Davidson County summer traditions continued this week with the <B>43rd Southeast Old Threshers' Reunion at Denton FarmPark and the City of Lexington's Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Finch Park. </B>Both events highlight some of the values that Americans hold true. The fact so many people travel to Denton each year shows they still appreciate the traditional methods of agriculture and ways of the past. And any event that celebrates the nation's birthday with a fireworks show, which happens at the Fantastic Fourth Celebration, is sure to be a hit.</p><p>RFD-TV may not be as familiar as other networks, but that doesn't diminish the honor that comes from <B>Southern Sisters Restaurant & Grille </B>being featured on one of the channel's shows. Host Edie Hand visited Thomasville on Monday to interview Joy Hall Thompson and feature her restaurant, Southern Sisters. The segments will appear on Hand's "RX for Healthy Lifestyles" show. Lexington brings the most culinary attention to the county for its barbecue, but Thompson shows that other restaurants can also garner a position in the spotlight.</p>